What natural care to reduce pigment spots?

The skin has a natural color called pigmentation.

This color depends on certain cells of our skin: melanocytes, which have the particularity of producing pigments known as " melanin ».

The melanin thus produced is diffused in the layers of the epidermis. And then migrates to the surface of the skin due to the renewal permanent epidermal cells.

A pigment spot is a abnormal discoloration of the skin caused by an excessive accumulation of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Age spots can be brown, black or gray and can appear on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun. They can be caused by many factors, such as age, genetics, sun exposure, hormones, and certain medications.

To know everything about pigment spots, we will cover the following topics:

1. What is a pigment spot?
2. How do pigment spots appear?
3. How to limit the appearance of pigment spots?
4. What dermo-cosmetic treatments are effective in reducing pigment spots?

1. What is a pigment spot?

A brown spot always comes from an excitement or a dysregulation of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin.

Initially, melanin granules arrive regularly at skin cells (keratinocytes) to protect them from UV rays. As cells renew, they rise to the surface of the skin and color it. But because of the oxidative stress which attacks the cells, dysfunctions appear. The production of melanocytes becomes anarchic, and the poor distribution of melanin causes clusters, locally forming more or less extensive brown spots on the surface of the skin. 

2. How do pigment spots appear?

After thirty years, we lose melanocytes.

The risk of hyperpigmentation increases with aging of cells and usually occurs on areas more exposed to the sun over time (face, neck, hands, etc.). 

The sun and age are therefore the main factors of pigment spots.

• Sun exposure

This is the first factor accentuating or accelerating the appearance of dark spots. Sun spots, sometimes also incorrectly called "age spots", are spots located on areas that are too exposed to the sun (skin, tops of the hands, décolleté, on the skull in some men). They are due to a overproduction of melanin indicating that the saturation threshold has been reached, oxidative stress having irreversibly disturbed the functioning of certain melanocytes. These spots are not found only in the elderly, these spots can appear in the youngest due to prolonged sun exposure. 

THE fair skin are the most affected, as well as dark skin, who expose themselves more often and protect themselves less. That's why protection is essential from the first rays of the sun!

• Skin aging

From the age of 60, the cells of the body enter into senescence (slow degradation of cell functions). Skin loses 6% thickness per decade after this age. The appearance of more numerous and more visible small spots are the direct consequence. This is called "lentigo".

• the hormones

The chloasma or "mask of pregnancy" is pregnancy-related dispigmentation (often in the 2ndIt is trimester), or sometimes due to hormonal changes that can increase sensitivity to UV rays. They can appear even without exposure, and intensify under the action of UV. These light brown spots are diffuse but are placed on the face like a relatively large mask (forehead, cheekbones, cheeks). They usually disappear a few months after childbirth but can also last for years in some people.

The melanocytes being hypersensitive to female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, birth control pills, menopause or drug treatment can promote the eruption of spots. Adopting a better-dosed pill or a method of contraception without recourse to estrogen can be a lead.

Also check if your medicines or natural products used in aromatherapy or herbal medicine are photosensibilisants, thus risking causing pigment spots. This is the case for example for:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• antidepressants
• anticancer
• anxiolytics
• Aloe Vera
• Lemon (skin)
• Grapefruit (skin)
• Bitter orange (peel)
• Celery (skin)
• Cumin seeds
• Fig leaves

It is important to consult a dermatologist or his doctor as soon as brownish spots appear (melanoma type) or if you have any doubts about a spot.

 

3. How to limit the appearance of pigment spots?

Fight oxidative stress by stocking up on antioxidants! 

Natural anti-dark spot oils :

• White lily oil

The white lily brightens the skin and warns the appearance of dark spots. The elimination of hyperpigmentation of the skin as well as dark spots is possible thanks to its high content of vitamins E.

• Lemon essential oil without furocoumarins

It is important to choose it without furocoumarins to avoid any risk of photosensibilisation.

Recognized for its lightening action, lemon essential oil without furocoumarins is perfect for greatly reducing dark spots on the skin.

Skin tonic, it helps fight against the effects of age.

• Carrot essential oil

The alpha and beta-carotenes present will promote good pigmentation of your epidermis.

This will ensure you a better protection against the sun and therefore limits the risk of new spots appearing.

Recipe Anti-localized pigment spot serum Excerpt from the book I take care of my skin naturally In a 15ml glass bottle, pour before mixing: 1 tsp raspberry or jojoba seeds 1 tsp castor oil 40 drops of Carrot HE 15 drops of celery essential oil 40 drops of Rosemary HE with verbenone Apply 1 to 2 drops of this oil 2 to 3 times a day on each spot and massage to penetrate. Results can be visible from 1 month.

Be careful, celery EO can be photosensitizing, in case of sun exposure, apply sunscreen over it.

Storage 12 months away from heat, air and light.

Do not use essential oils in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children, with some exceptions.

In general, always do a test application in the bend of the elbow, 48 hours before use to identify a possible skin reaction.

Anti-Aging and Anti-Oxidant Actives :

• Retinol & Bakuchiol 

Anti-stain active reference, the retinol or vitamins A stimulates cell renewal, improves skin texture and repairs damaged or mature skin. 

By regulating melanocytes, it reduces the intensity of pigment spots on the surface of the skin. It is a powerful asset use with caution especially in people with sensitive or atopic skin, which may cause redness.

For those intolerant of retinol, opt for le bakuchiol which offers the same benefits without risk of irritation ! Derived from the Ayurvedic babchi plant, it boosts collagen production, helps maintain skin firmness, smoothes fine lines and acts on the regeneration of the skin, for formidable effectiveness against acne spots and scars.

• Vitamin C 

Powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has the ability to regulate melanin production and stimulate collagen synthesis. It neutralizes free radicals and protects against external aggressions causing photoaging, making it an ally of choice against pigment spots and scars. 

Vitamin C improves skin texture and awakens dull complexions, and is also a recognized anti-aging active.

Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C : Berries and red fruits (blackcurrant, blueberry, cranberry, currant, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) are precious allies to strong antioxidant potential.

Carotenoids will strengthen the skin's natural defenses against the sun (sweet potato, carrot, pepper, tomato, etc.).

Always favor organic and local fruits and vegetables!

Le + Naturo : Benefits of Gotu Kola: Traditional remedy of Ayurvedic medicine, this plant cures in a general way skin diseases. She would be able to stimulate collagen synthesis and would act directly on the matrix of the dermis. It is taken as a 3-week cure in the form of a capsule.

4. Which dermo-cosmetic treatments are effective against pigment spots?

These stains can't go away completely but actions can help reduce them.

Our anti-dark spot care routine to adopt morning and evening:

• The Morning

Step 1 – Refresh thanks to the Glow Perfection Mist with green tea polyphenols.

This mist to be sprayed in the morning before a treatment or in the evening after make-up removal or cleansing illuminates the complexion and lighten the tasks.

Thanks to these assets, it increases by more than 30% the production of an anti-stain protein.

Stages 2 – To correct with the Targeted spot-correcting treatment - With Green Tea Polyphenols and Brown Algae

This treatment acts to correct and prevent pigment spots.

 Apply to spots 1-2 times a day. Wait about 10 minutes before applying cream or make-up afterwards.

Clinical tests show that by using the Spot Corrector twice a day for 4 weeks, the first results are already visible: the spots are clearly lightened.

 

Step 3 – Hydrate with the Lys Perfection High Correction Serum by Florame

This serum provides a targeted solution against the signs of aging. 

It reduces pigment spots and acts against loss of firmness. 

For a complete action, this serum is enriched with Lavender Papillon extract, which restructures and blurs fine lines, as well as Rose Muscat vegetable oils with a high content of retinol, and Argan highly concentrated in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins E.

Alternative for sensitive skin or for pregnant women, l’Oppidum Face and Body Care Oil.

This face care oil is a pure oil that is intended for the most demanding and intolerant skin thanks to its gentle combination of vegetable oils. A true natural and elegant treatment, it combines the delicacy of white lily, the silky touch of cottonseed oil, the balance of evening primrose and the regulating properties of jojoba. The White Lily restores radiance and limits the appearance of dark spots. 

Step 4 – Protect from the sun

As you will have understood, the sun is an aggravating factor in the appearance of spots, which is why you must protect yourself from the first rays, especially if you work outdoors.. Organic face sunscreen SPF50 Biarritz Laboratories provides high natural sun protection. It also exists tinted to replace your BB cream.

In winter, you can also take a day cream with an SPF (Protection Index Solar) to put the odds on your side!

 

Step 5 – Make up

The BB Cream 5-in-1 - With essential oils and organic white tea from Florame East the subtle alliance between care and make-up. To increase coverage, apply the cream a second time. 

 

2- In the evening 

Step 1 - Remove make-up

Cleansing jelly Hydrapaise de Biotanie removes make-up moisturizes and protects against skin aging. In contact with water, the jelly turns into a nourishing milk, leaving the skin soft after rinsing.

 

Step 2 – Clean with the Balancing Purifying Foam by Phytema

Concentrated in AHA fruit acids.

Step 3 – Soothe thanks to the Glow Perfection Mist with green tea polyphenols.

 

Step 4 - Unify

The Radiance Booster Oily Serum with Pink Banana Bio-Active from Kadalys is rich in active antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals and boost natural defense mechanisms. 

His actions:

• Revives skin's natural radiance for a guaranteed healthy glow
• Visibly unifies the complexion by effectively reducing pigment spots
• Moisturizes and brings comfort to the skin
• IDEAL for skin lacking radiance and with pigmentary irregularities.

Step 5 - Feed

The Face and body care balm – Oppidum total protection combines the delicacy of white lily, the silky touch of cottonseed oil, the balance of evening primrose and the regulating properties of jojoba with the strong nourishing power of shea and coconut. It is suitable for all skin types due to its total absence of essential oils and fragrances.

White lily extract restores radiance to mature skin. Its lightening properties limit the appearance of dark spots and lighten the complexion.

3 - Exfoliate once a week

Regular exfoliation of stained areas will to even out the complexion and slightly reduce diffuse spots. Opt for an extremely fine grain scrub or an enzymatic fruit acid scrub.

Here we suggest the "Exfoliating & Radiance Boost" Exclat Jelly - Macerate of carrots from Biotania 

Take a dab of jelly Exclat® and gently massage your face. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Then apply your serum or moisturizer.

Stains that are already visible cannot be erased but can fade and lighten with patience!

 

To find out about our anti-stain products, go to here.

For a personalized routine, we invite you to make your skin diagnosis .